The games legislators play

Rep. Jason Watkins, R-Wichita, has introduced a bill that would force teams from Kansas State University and the University of Kansas to schedule games against Wichita State University. Watkins said he introduced it at the request of a constituent. But like former Rep. Todd Novascone’s similar effort in 2004, this might be cute and amusing if it weren’t such a poor use of lawmaking time and tax dollars.
Posted by Rhonda Holman

12 Comments

  1. mrcontroversy
    Posted January 26, 2006 at 12:20 am | Permalink

    When Wichita State officials start reaching out to the rest of Kansas like the other Regents institutions, the games will follow.

  2. Ray Thomas
    Posted January 26, 2006 at 7:23 am | Permalink

    And politicians wonder why they are the butt of jokes on late night talk shows. This is a perfect example…passing a LAW to make college teams play each other? How utterly ridiculous. I am at a loss for words of how idiotic that is…

  3. Gertie
    Posted January 26, 2006 at 8:08 pm | Permalink

    If they want to waste time at the State Capitol with such ridiculousness, then so be it. Nothing would make me happier than to watch the Shockers beat K-State or KU.

  4. Ben Huie
    Posted January 27, 2006 at 7:37 am | Permalink

    I’ll support the legislators on this issue. Yes, it is silly and a “waste of time” but a little silly diversion now and then might be a good thing. I doubt that it really took any effort away from the serious issues facing them but rather gave them a chance to vent a little steam on an unimportant matter. Sort of like sports in general.

  5. Steve V
    Posted January 27, 2006 at 12:02 pm | Permalink

    It actually is not uncommon for states’ to mandate who college teams play. There are quite a few laws on the books.-Really not so utterly ridiculouse at all.

  6. NoJoCo
    Posted January 27, 2006 at 1:41 pm | Permalink

    ESPN offered a deal this season for KU to play WSU in either Lawrence or KC. KU would not do it! I don’t want to hear anything about it being a lose-lose situation for KU. Money is not the issue, neither is the fact that WSU has a lower RPI. In fact, WSU’s RPI is much higher than KU’s – it would benefit KU to play them.

  7. ProudLib
    Posted January 27, 2006 at 2:54 pm | Permalink

    I agree with NoJoCo.

    Games between Kansas schools would generate a lot of interest for the communities and the students.

    And since we’re paying a lot of their bills, we should be given something to say about it.

  8. Ray Thomas
    Posted January 27, 2006 at 3:21 pm | Permalink

    Sheesh…what is next? a LAW that says we must attend said games?

    Or..how about another LAW that says out of state teams must pay a tax if they beat a Kansas team?

    The possibilities for more LAWS is endless…makes some people jump for joy…

  9. TA
    Posted January 29, 2006 at 9:48 am | Permalink

    Anything to keep the legislature busy doing something and not passing more laws that raise our taxes and their salaries.

  10. Clair
    Posted January 29, 2006 at 9:46 pm | Permalink

    TAhow much do legislatures make??

  11. Mr. History
    Posted January 31, 2006 at 2:28 pm | Permalink

    They make $83 per day. Of course only while in session. With the exception of COLA, no one can point to the last raise they voted on.

  12. caveman
    Posted February 7, 2006 at 11:45 am | Permalink

    This comes on the heels of Watkins school vending machine police publicity stunt in the ‘05 session. It is obvious that Watkins has a lot of spare time on his hands. The problem is he can’t come up with anything constructive to do with it. Voters in Watkins district(the 105th)need to send this loser packing in November. Time to get a real job Watkins.